EPA Hazardous Waste

EPA List of Hazardous Materials

Under the EPA rules there exist some broad definitions for characteristics of Chemicals. The 4 Broad categories are (1) ignitability, (2) corrosivity, (3) reactivity and (4) toxicity characteristics.

Each characteristic is defined as follows:

Ignitability: D001

A liquid other than an aqueous solution containing less than 24 percent alcohol by volume and has a flash point less than 60°C (140°F).

It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard.

It is an ignitable compressed gas as defined in 49 CFR 173.300.

It is an oxidizer as defined in 49 CFR 173.151.

Corrosivity: D002

It is aqueous and has a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5, as determined by a pH meter.

It is a liquid and corrodes steel (SAE 1020) at a rate greater than 6.35 mm(0.250 inch) per year at a test temperature of 55°C (130°F).

Reactivity: D003

It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating.

It reacts violently with water.

It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water.

When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.

It is a cyanide or sulfide bearing waste which , when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.

It is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if it is subjected to a strong initiating source or if heated under confinement.

It is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at standard temperature and pressure.

It is a forbidden explosive as defined in 49 CFR 173.51, or a Class A explosive as defined in 49 CFR 173.53 or a Class B explosive as defined in 49 CFR 173.88.

Toxicity: D004

A waste exhibits the characteristic of toxicity if, using the test methods described in appendix II of 40 CFR 261.